'A real chance to touch a life': WooSox establish mentorship program at Gates Lane School

WORCESTER — Worcester Red Sox broadcaster Jim Cain spent some quality time playing Connect 4 with his new friend, Braydin, Friday afternoon at Gates Lane Elementary School. 

After the spirited game, Braydin, a third grader, was all smiles when he was handed a brand-new WooSox hat.

In fact, several students received a team hat as the WooSox have partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Massachusetts and the Worcester Public Schools to create a new mentor program at the school. 

“The WooSox enjoy demonstrating that we’re more than just a baseball team, and this mentoring partnership is another shining example of that,” WooSox Vice President of Baseball Operations and Community Relations Joe Bradlee said. “We’re all looking forward to building relationships with the students at Gates Lane Elementary with whom we’ve been matched, and we give our sincerest thanks to all who have helped get this impactful program off the ground.” 

The Boston Red Sox’s Triple-A affiliate first began a mentor program when the team played in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and it has continued the tradition in Worcester.

Fourteen WooSox front office members will mentor students once a week for the remainder of the school year and beyond.

“It’s arguably the best part of my job,” Cain said. “I’ve had a mentee since my first year with the PawSox back in 2017, and it is always one of the best parts of my week. I find it so rewarding.”

Historic program

WooSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg stood on the front steps of the school Friday afternoon and met all the new mentees, and then spoke with teachers and administrators.

This is the first mentor program at Gates Lane, and Steinberg believes mentors can have a major impact on a child’s life.

“This is history,” Steinberg said. “We often think of children as unpainted canvases, and these are the first brush strokes that are painting the portrait of their lives.”

The time spent with a mentor during the school week is a productive tool to help the development of a student. Other than playing games, the mentors help with simple lessons that include the proper way to shake someone’s hand, or look someone in the eye when speaking with them, or just a simple smile.

“We’re a fresh voice, so we take that seriously,” Steinberg said. “You have a real chance to touch a life, and it’s pretty special.”

These young students were engaged with their new mentors and it was obvious they all enjoyed their first time together. Gates Lane Elementary School is less than three miles from Polar Park, but it’s an important area of the city for the WooSox to connect with this year, and the mentees also will receive tickets to WooSox games this season.

“We know that Main South is an area where we really want to have an impact, so we’re pleased that Gates Lane School is where we’re turning to be mentors,” Steinberg said.

Teachers thrilled for students

City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. attended Gates Lane as an elementary school student and said since he’s a major proponent of the WooSox and is thankful for the team’s new initiative at his alma mater.

“Not only do I have a soft spot for Gates Lane, I know the value a program like this can have in the development of a young person,” Augustus said. “As someone who has benefited a lot from mentors, I am grateful our new neighbors, the Worcester Red Sox, are investing their time into becoming part of fabric of our community and contributing to the growth and success of our youngest residents.”  

Several of the teachers involved in the program at the school were thrilled for the students to have new mentors.

“Thank you to the WooSox for their consistent and amazing support for Worcester Public School students,” Worcester Superintendent Maureen Binienda said. “The mentoring program with Gates Lane Elementary will make another positive difference in the lives of our students.”

The mentors and mentees finished the afternoon with a group photo in front of the school’s sign on Main Street as the students were all sporting their new WooSox caps. Steinberg asked one student his name.

“Manny,” the student replied.

“That’s a great baseball name,” Steinberg said.

Contact Joe McDonald at JMcDonald2@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeyMacHockey